Gerald Weinberg on figuring out the real problem

I’ve meant to blog about this ever since I first heard it. More about it in his book. A wonderful illustration on the ambiguities of language, and why we need to make sure we understand our users’ statements well.

Statement	In contrast to
Mary had a little lamb	… it was hers, not someone else’s
Mary had a little lamb	… but she doesn’t have it anymore
Mary had a little lamb	… just one, not several
Mary had a little lamb	… it was very, very small
Mary had a little lamb	… not a goat, a chicken, etc
Mary had a little lamb	… but John still has his